2014 BBMAs Reaction-Review

May 20, 2014May 20, 2014michelleleighwrites Leave a comment

I know what you’re thinking…

This is another Michael Jackson/Justin Timberlake post, right?

Really?

Well considering what happened this weekend you should have been expecting this…

Quick Advice: WATCH BEFORE READING!

This past weekend on Sunday, May 18th, The Billboard Music Awards aired live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. And I think it’s safe to say that Michael Jackson’s hologram performance of “Slave to the Rhythm” stole the night.

The performance began with a swat team of dancers dressed in black armor with the King’s initials displayed on their chests, as the rolling drums and helicopter sounds greeted the audience, they anxiously awaited a performance that was said to make history.

The curtains rose and Jackson appeared on stage upon an extravagant gold and leopard printed thrown, sitting casually with one leg draped over the side.

Dressed in his signature style; a gold sparkly jacket, white v-neck tee shirt, a sparkly belt, red pants, red socks and gold shoes. The initials MJ displayed in the background of him as well. Details were on point all the way down to his curly locks and the white tape he used to wear on his fingertips so that it would catch your eye with the flick of his hand. Even his walk down the stairs of his thrown to the main stage, was spot on. Michael always had this presence when he walked, like it was a dance or a glide with some kind of swag and spunk to it. It was a walk you took notice of, it was as if he wasn’t asking for your attention he was demanding it.

As his hologram pulled out his iconic moves like the crotch grab, the shoulder roll, the pelvic thrust, the tip toe stand, the side step walk… he glided across that stage flawlessly. And you knew without a shadow of a doubt that it was only a matter of time before he broke out into a dance break and moon walked across the stage. You couldn’t call it a Michael Jackson performance without a dance break. As the song “Slave to the Rhythm” was manipulated to focus on Jackson’s vocal track and cut to allow time for Jackson’s moves to shine once again.

Because of all of these details Jackson appeared almost lifelike.

If not for the illuminating light surrounding him, or the occasional off lip during the vocals, it could have easily been him. It was that good. Technology man…

The entire performance was accompanied by over a dozen dancers (both real and hologram infused,) as well as fire and light beams. After his performance and dance break, Jackson returned to his starting stage with a signature pose and then returned to his thrown.

To me it was kind of symbolic now that I think about it. As if to say he’s holding his title in life and even in death. Michael Jackson will always be the King of Pop; the greatest of all time. I could only imagine what it would have felt like to have been in that audience. As people were seen dancing in their seats and some shared cheers while others shared tears. The performance was met with a standing ovation. If it were me I would have wanted to be off my ass and dancing through his entire performance, but I guess people were just in shock!

As for me I went into watching this performance with an open mind. I expected a hologram, because what else would be history making? They’ve done so many tributes that I was just like nothing is gonna be good enough other than the king himself. And I had heard it was for “Slave to the Rhythm.” But of course I was secretly hoping it would be Justin and hologram Michael Jackson performing “Love Never Felt So Good.” But Justin being on tour wasn’t even there :/. I’m really anxious to hear what Justin thought about the hologram performance. I hope he comments on it soon! Never the less, I went into this just wanting to see what it was all about. I was just excited to see how they would pull this off.

And my reaction was kind of all over the place.

My best friend and I snuck away from her family birthday dinner to watch tv and I was like I GOTTA SEE THIS MJ PERFORMANCE! Half way through I ran upstairs to grab my mom, because she just had to see this! I was freaking out!

At first I was like wait a minute…is that really him…is that a hologram, is that just a really good impersonator? I was…and I repeat ALL OVER THE PLACE. I was entirely confused because I knew that there isn’t any footage of Michael performing that song. “Slave the Rhythm” hadn’t even ever been heard until just recently as Jackson’s 2nd posthumous album Xscape (which holds the track) was released just a few days ago on May 13th. So I was just like HOW IS THIS EVEN HAPPENING RIGHT NOW???

I remember I just kept saying things like …

I don’t know what my life is right now….I don’t know how to feel…

And I really didn’t.

I was stuck between freaking out and being in awe of how technology has evolved. And feeling like it was a good depiction of his legendary legacy. I thought it was amazing, I thought I was gonna cry.

According to people involved; this performance has been being planned since December of last year. And the song was chosen before they even had the technology to back it and before his image was yet to be perfected.

However, unfortunately much like everything in his real life, Jackson’s hologram performance received quite the stir of controversy. Some were quick to comment on the image not being perfect…hence the lips were off here and there. But what can you expect… nothing is going to truly live up to the real Michael Jackson live and in person. I may not have ever seen him perform live, but from being exposed to his performances throughout my life, I can safely say he was in a league of his own. So this hologram performance would be the next best thing. Others harped on the fact that the hologram was dated back to Jackson’s “Dangerous” days. Which they felt didn’t make much sense because he died at the age of 50, 5 years ago in 2009.

I can’t even handle this! Michael even had his very own seat that night…. (what a beautiful gesture!)

The set they portrayed in this performance is said to be based on the artwork for the “Dangerous” album. His image was created in the same light. In fact it makes total sense, being that “Slave to the Rhythm” was originally recorded back in the 90’s during the “Dangerous” sessions. If you think about it, it’s better that way. It preserves his memory, if you ask me. I mean it’s no secret that Michael himself wasn’t too happy with his own appearance, hence why he went through so many plastic surgeries. Never the less, his health wasn’t the best when he passed either. So for them to choose an image of him, from a healthier time, and remember him as his iconic self, makes total sense to me. And once you know these facts, it should make accepting it all a bit easier. I for one don’t get tired of watching it, it doesn’t get any short of amazing with every watch. So I think that says something.

There are two ways to look at this performance, either you enjoyed it and aren’t letting it get overly analyzed and blown out of proportion, and just take it as a tribute of some kind. Just take it as it is, without reading too much into it.

Or take it as an offense. To think they are dishonoring him, and not letting him Rest In Peace. Upon doing my research for this reaction review, I kept coming across articles which deemed Michael Jackson had been “resurrected from the dead in hologram form.” That to me is the worst way to put it. A hologram is NOT a resurrection. Saying that just makes it sound creepy and scary. It also makes people mad.

Don’t get me wrong the idea of a hologram is very weird in itself. But I think what truly bugs people most about this performance is the thought that it looks so real. That they wish it was. And for that I understand. But I think that being that this performance was put together by choreographers who Michael had worked with himself and being that this performance was fully supported and produced by the Jackson Family Estate… How can you really be mad? It’s easy to think that it’s all a game, to make money off of him, but I choose to look at it as a way to honor him. Same thing with the posthumous album. It’s all a way to give fans just a slight version of what they’ve been missing. I don’t think that’s a bad thing. In fact music that good isn’t doing anyone any good unreleased.

“Slave to the Rhythm” is off Michael Jackson’s 2nd posthumous album entitled Xscape

Xscape debuted last week at #1 in 50 countries and is in it’s fight for no. 1 in the U.S.

Come On people let’s get it there!

Watch Access Hollywood talk to some of those involved in creating this show stopping performance.

(In a fellow clip within the Access Hollywood link under the “RELATED” Tab under the above video)

L.A. Reid promises there’s more to come for this album.

Jackie Jackson reacts to seeing his brother perform in hologram form.

Saying and I quote…

“It’s beautiful…unbelievable…I thought he was there for real, I got teary eyed watching my brother….I think he would have given it a thumbs up, he would have loved it…”

So if his own brother gave it praise…I think it’s ok for fans to feel ok loving it!

[http://www.accesshollywood.com/michael-jackson-hologram-howd-they-do-that-exclusive_video_2168937]

(same link as above)

******************

In other exciting news… shout out to Mr. Justin Timberlake as he rocked the awards in his own way by taking home 7 out of the 11 awards he was nominated for…including…

Justin accepts several times via satellite…

Top Artist

Best Male Artist

Top Billboard 200 Artist: “The 20/20 Experience”

Top Radio Artist

Top R&B Artist

Top Billboard 200 Album: “The 20/20 Experience”

Top R&B Album

Hell yea boy!

Congrats…very well deserved…that album deserves every single award it receives.

So basically two people who weren’t even there, dominated the night, haha. MJ & JT owned the 2014 BillBoard Music Awards. Hats off sirs. Nothing but love. Can’t wait to see what’s next!

*I do not take any credit for any gifs or images used*

-<3-

Oprah’s Master Class with Justin Timberlake

May 17, 2014May 20, 2014michelleleighwrites 1 Comment

**Pardon the abundance of Justin Timberlake/Michael Jackson posts as of late…this is quite the week for them…and I feel it is only natural I share my excitement. #fangirllife**

Master Class Highlights…

Justin Timberlake’s advice on hard work, dedication and

becoming a “master” at your craft…

*Just say “Amen”

*Defeat isn’t failure

*It won’t be easy

*Give it a shot

*Remember this moment

*Step out on your own

*It’s about the song

*Sexyback

*Make ’em laugh

*Finish what you start

*Love

*Always be a beginner

Key Quotes that stuck with me

“I learned what success and defeat meant and that they really didn’t matter.”

[on his experience on losing “Star Search” as a child.]

“The most valuable piece of advice I ever got was from my mother, she said to me, I want you to know that you have a gift. None of us know where it came from, but you have a gift. And that gift is going to make your life more challenging in a way, because it’s going to test your character. She said, you know just because you have this thing that you do really well, that’s instinctive and natural to you, it doesn’t mean that you are better than anyone else. And to the point your gonna have to work harder to realize that.”

“We didn’t know anything about anything, but we knew we could sing together.”

[on the formation and great success of *NSYNC at such a young age.]

“I remember looking at JC and saying “Remember this moment, because there’s a very good chance that nothing like this will ever happen again.””

[on shutting down Times Square while appearing on TRL for the release of

*NSYNC’s “No Strings Attached.”]

“I was 19 going on 20, and I really felt like it was time for me to figure out who I was as an artist…to find my own voice. I would wake up every morning feeling more and more of an urge to step out on my own, to try my own hand as a musician.”

“It’s one of the best/worst things that I have ever done…it was bittersweet…it was hard to say goodbye to that era. But I felt it changing. I felt music changing and I felt myself changing.”

[on his decision to go solo.]

***I’m really happy that there was a decent segment on *NSYNC, I feel like I’ve been uncertain on the details of his departure for so many years, I’m glad we finally got some answers.***

“I like being a beginner. I like looking at everyone and saying, I have no idea how to do this…let’s figure it out.”

“To be a master at something it takes a long time, at a high level and for me the way to do that is to always be a beginner.”

“Continue to do the thing maybe you think you cannot do, because you find out what you’re made of, you find out what material you’re made of.”

“Just because you get married, doesn’t mean you stop dating…that’s what keeps it exciting for me, I think.”

“I had to convince people that it was my song, people didn’t even think it was me, they thought it was a joke.” [On Sexyback’s release.]

***I have to admit I was one of those people. When I first heard it, I thought there was something wrong with the track. I kind of hated it, and I remember being so upset because I was such a fan and I was so in love with Justified. “Sexyback” was like nothing I had ever heard, and I didn’t get it, but then it just grows on you. And I guess that was kind of the point. Hence, why it became (and still is) one of the most iconic Pop songs. No matter how many years go by, when that song starts playing at his concerts, people just lose their minds. It just gets in your veins, and I think he knew that. Trust your instincts people, trust them.***

“People kept telling me, “This will never work,” but I just kept saying “Just put the song out.””

[On choosing Sexyback as his first single off his sophomore album.]

“I knew that I was going to make a living off of the one thing everyone told me not to do.”

[On becoming a musician.]

“Loving what you do is extremely valuable.”

“If you’re not moving forward within it, your doing yourself a disservice.”

“You’re not meant to do what’s easy, you’re meant to challenge yourself.”

The Michael Jackson Stor(ies)

“I think I pulled every “Thriller” move out that I could.”

[on auditioning for the Mickey Mouse Club.]

Justin Timberlake drops a major song bomb on us *NSYNC fans as he admits the mega *NSYNC hit “Gone” was originally written for Michael.

Justin had thought the song had not been heard. But then got a call from the King himself asking for a duet, instead.

At that point *NSYNC had already cut the record as a part of their third studio album. Justin inquired about doing an *NSYNC ft. Michael Jackson, or Michael Jackson ft. *NSYNC track.

“He was very absolute about the fact that he wanted it to be a duet between him and I.”

“I can’t…and… I’m literally punching myself…”

*****HaHaHaHa damn that must have been rough, it’s the freakin’ KING calling you asking for a duet on a track YOU wrote for HIM…damn I gotta say after all the shit I give him for always snubbing *NSYNC, I have to say that I was very proud of him for honoring them and keeping “Gone” an *NSYNC track…although if there is a MJ/JT “Gone” duet out there that can possibly resurface in the near future, I will need to be picked up off the floor. HOWEVER, I honestly can’t imagine that song being sung any other way. *NSYNC fan at heart, always.*****

Fast Forward to the year 2014…

“Love Never Felt So Good”– Michael Jackson & Justin Timberlake…guess you both got your duet! (and so did the rest of the world…we’ve been waiting on such magic!)

“I think it’s the first idea that I ever got about doing something on my own. Because it was the first time I ever really felt the confidence to do it. I knew that the music that I was interested in and writing at the time was different than what we and previously done, and it felt like a real departure. I never told anybody that Michael Story.”

***I was kind of slapped in the face by this story, it was kind of bizarre to me. I was just like hold up wait, is this real, did you just make that up? It made me all kinds of happy, yet sad. In a nutshell I guess we can all blame Michael Jackson for the demise of *NSYNC. hahahhahahaha lmaoooo ;)***

***P.S. Cool side-note***

*Justified’s hit “Rocky Your Body” was originally written for Michael Jackson by The Neptunes, but when he passed on the track, it later became Timberlake’s 2003 hit single.*

Justin explains that growing up in Memphis, Tennessee they didn’t have concerts make their way to them often, and if they did he didn’t get to go because his family was on a budget.

“I never saw Michael Jackson perform live until I was on stage with him. I only saw videos of it…it wasn’t Michael Jackson, it was Michael Jackson’s songs. We had the radio. [I grew up admiring] the movies, tv shows, songs…the thing that was being made.”

His relationship with his mom is so beautiful, I can’t even tell you how many times he mentioned her throughout that interview.

Justin first got his courage to sing in Church and the relaxed pressure free platform it created. Singing helped him to learn more about who he was as a person. Justin also goes on to explain how he never really felt like he ever fit one mold; with various interests in all walks of music, movies, and comedy Justin gives 115% to everything he does. And makes it look easy. Something he says is even harder to do, “to make it look easy is the hardest part.” In this documentary Justin gives key advice to becoming your own driving motivation and how to follow your dreams. Justin also explains how we should always be beginners, continue to learn our craft, try new things within our craft, and be thankful. That no matter what it is you do, things are going to be received in different ways, it shouldn’t change your ambitions or why you’re there, or why you were apart of the project in the first place. You’re not responsible for how other people receive whatever art you put out. Between the baby Justin flashbacks on Star Search and The Mickey Mouse Club , and all the old *NSYNC footage, and his savvy yet adorable story telling of his experiences with his musical heroes, I swear your heart is bound to melt. It was a joy to watch Justin in such a candid interview. There’s a good story about his performing with the Stones, that you really should tune in for!

Justin Timberlake is slowly becoming a master at his craft, but has a lot more in him. And we will be singing his songs and watching his success for years to come. I swear the way my parents recall Michael Jackson, The Jackson 5, and Elvis to me, I can safely say I cannot wait to school my future kids on the greatest of “my time;” Justin Timberlake.

Catch Oprah’s Master Class On Demand

or HERE

**I do not take any credit for any images.**

-<3-

Dear Class of 2014…Go to Prom.

May 11, 2014May 11, 2014michelleleighwrites Leave a comment

So with prom season rolling around it has me reminiscing…

Prom

that magical time every high school senior girl dreams of.

A time where everything has to be perfect

the perfect dress

the perfect shoes

the perfect hair, makeup, shoes, accessories…

My prom dress circa 2009… I’m still tryna find an excuse to wear this again!

this is what makes being a girl so much fun.

(^it’s also what makes it such a pain in the ass, i swear guys have it so easy; a suit or tux and a pair of shoes and boom. done.)

It’s been quite a few years since I was at prom.

5 years to be exact

hold up…it’s been 5 years?

Ew.

I’m getting old.

Anyway…

Prom is a time to enjoy yourself.

It’s a time to breathe easy and know that graduating high school and moving up in life is just around the corner.

It’s your chance to splurge on a limo

The Makeup

a time to dance around all night long to your favorite overplayed, obnoxious song

a time to cha cha slide…like your life depends on it…

wait, do they still even do that at proms?

or is it all about twerking…

(god help us all ;))

Prom is a time to make memories that will last a lifetime

with friends that will hopefully do the same.

Dateless?

Don’t fret, go with your girls!

The Hair

Royalty has arrived 😉

Trust me your memory will thank you when you can look back and remember having a blast with friends who still matter

rather then slow dancing with some guy you just went with for the hell of it

or your at the time current or convenient beau.

Never the less prom is a rite of passage

If you have the opportunity to go

take it, you’ll never be here again.

Unless you’re like my brother who got to go to three separate school proms (lucky bastard;))

Anyway I digress.

I know several girls who never went to prom and still to this day regret it.

So find that perfect dress

doll yourself up

kick your feet up

and enjoy yourself.

Enjoy this time in your life

because I promise you

it’s over before you know it.

It only comes around once.

Ok now I really sound old.

I can safely say my prom was a blast

and in any case it’s always a great time for top notch photo ops

The 2009 version of a selfie…yes that’s a camera not a phone and this is the infamous #mirrorpicture

or for an impromptu photo shoot [see: the several prom posed pics] (my brother is a photographer…)

And nowadays forget rushing to upload your pictures to facebook so you can share them with all your friends.

You guys have instagram

So…Gram them selfies…

I support you.

So here’s to high school classes of 2014

May your prom night be everything you ever dreamed of…

Photos By: Robert DeSantos Jr.

Girls bring your flats for the after party

and Boys…

Be the gentlemen your mothers raised you to be.

From one veteran prom goer to all you freshmen,

I urge you to party.

And remember

Stay Safe.

-<3-

Love Never Felt So Good

May 4, 2014May 7, 2014michelleleighwrites 2 Comments

Ok so anyone who knows me personally, or even if you’ve stumbled upon this blog from time to time….there’s a pretty overpowering chance that you understand that I’m a Justin Timberlake fan-girl and prior to, a Michael Jackson fan (thanks mom). So with that being said, you also understand that this little tidbit just sat all kinds of right with me. This my friends is the ultimate, this….is everything.

The Prince & The King of Pop ❤

Read the (Duet Version) Lyrics HERE

(Although I’m not entirely sure if they’re correct, lol.)

Listen to the original MJ version HERE

When Michael Jackson first passed away, I remember the news saying there was a lot of unreleased music he had been either working on or hiding ;). And that he left them to his children to release when they felt was right, or to do as they wished. So now years later after the release of his first posthumous album “This is it”, a new Michael Jackson album is soon to be released. In fact as of lately Michael Jackson supporting social media were hinting that it’d be sooner than later. Imagine my overly excited reaction when Justin Timberlake himself posted this…

Captioned: Stay Tuned…. and I was like Oh Holy Shit…I don’t know how to feel.

Read about the song’s history and

how this duet came to be HERE

The Michael Jackson version was first heard on the iheart radio music awards this past Thursday and I liked it (the audio left a little to be desired but the youtube clip I linked above sounds much better) and it makes sense once you learn that the original recording was from the 80’s and we all know 80’s vibes sounded like that. So I do like the original, but I adore the duet version, because it’s fun and beautiful and features two of my favorite human beings in music. It’s EPIC. It’s not over the top, it’s just fun, good music. A lot of critics say it could have easily been a single from Michael’s “Off The Wall” album. The song was just added Timberlake’s vocals (for the second verse) and reworked and con-temporized for today’s radio. Michael Jackson was an artist who always pushed the envelope, he always reinvented himself to keep people interested and keep relevant. But he never did so by failing to remain his signature self. The man who paved the way for many artists today, including the man who is deemed Prince of Pop/President of Pop by many;

Justin Timberlake.

Justin Timberlake is the perfect artist to have Michael Jackson do a duet with for his first single off his new album. Their vocals blend flawlessly and if you don’t listen closely enough at times it’s almost hard to tell who’s who. Fortunately for me, I’m pro in all things Justin, so I have no problem, lol. It is very evident in Timberlake’s past albums and especially his current album The 20/20 Experience, that he is strongly influenced by Jackson and the legacy he’s left behind. From Timberlake’s dance moves, to his falsetto, the way he dresses, to the way he owns a stage, you can tell Jackson had a hand in making Timberlake the artist he is. But while that may be true, I think it’s safe to say Timberlake is making a legacy of his own, and is here to stay.

On Friday I heard the duet in my neighborhood deli and I instantly felt like it belonged on the radio, 80’s vibes are coming back people! And I think Michael would be proud. “Love Never Felt So Good” has been on repeat ever since I heard it, it’s been stuck in my head and I’m not even mad about it. That’s the true song test isn’t it? When you find yourself humming a song and it doesn’t even bug you.

There is one small problem I have with the song and that’s the false advertising. Social Media had hyped it up saying Justin would be on the track and that it would be debuted at the awards. So that was the only reason I watched. And to be honest the music awards presented it all wrong. They said the song would be introduced by Usher. And basically it was LA Reid who introduced the song which was supported by Michael Jackson inspired dancers and a screen of Jackson stills while the song played and I was waiting to hear Justin and it never came. Then towards the second verse, Usher came out and danced. Usher, not Justin. That was a bit of a let down. So basically I was terribly confused.

*NSYNC performing with Jackson during his 30th Anniversary special

If you say Michael Jackson’s new single featuring Justin Timberlake is being debuted at the iheart radio music awards, then why they heck would you play the original solo version and have Usher come out instead. It makes no sense. I think being that Timberlake is on tour, and couldn’t be there to perform, the producers probably figured they’d play the original solo version and do a small tribute involving another Michael Jackson inspired artist; namely Usher. I get that. I also get that Michael’s original version deserved to be heard first. I just wish they would have advertised that.

I also wish there would be a suitable (and by suitable I mean EPIC) Michael Jackson tribute for once. Because ever since he passed, I still feel like I haven’t seen one. They have all been kinda low energy based. Which isn’t right since anything Michael Jackson related was and should always be high energy based including all the amazing artists he’s influenced. The bulk of his music is a party, it’s a good time. It’s meant to make you dance…I dare you to try and keep still when you hear the intro to Billie Jean, because I sure as hell can’t do it.

In a nutshell, Justin Timberlake has yet to fully be a part of an all star celebrity Michael Jackson Tribute so basically I’m saying that’s what all these tributes are missing. LOL. I mean hey if you’re gonna name him the Prince of Pop, call him the next Michael Jackson and hand him the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award at the 2013 VMA’s then he sure as hell deserves to be apart of the ultimate MJ tribute. So either he wasn’t asked or he couldn’t, (which I highly doubt he would turn down or take lightly.) I’m just waiting on Justin Timberlake to comment on this whole experience. Because I can only imagine it’s a dream come true for him. It’s definitely a dream come true for me!

Watch the song’s debut at the iheart radio music awards HERE

Justin pays tribute to Michael Jackson on his own…

“Human Nature”

“Shake ya body (Down to the ground)”

How freakin’ good were they…

see I’m telling you…MJ music + JT= EPIC

Hey does anyone remember that Celine Dion performance where she performed an Elvis song with Elvis himself and everyone was freaking out because he looked so real???…well plot twist it was a hologram but it was freakin’ amazing!

Jackson performing with *NSYNC

Well I think that’s what Justin needs to do, he needs to perform with hologram Michael Jackson and just blow the faces off everyone! Next award show…how’s about it Justin? I wouldn’t mind seeing you moonwalk, or do that signature mj leg kick, or pelvic thrust for that matter.

Don't Forget. Micheal's Music Legacy lives on

Don’t Forget.
Michael’s Music Legacy lives on

I cannot wait to hear what this album is gonna sound like, if

“Love Never Felt So Good” is any indication,

I think I’m looking at my newest summer playlist.

**I take no credit for any images or video footage/audio**

5-7-14

******LOVE NEVER FELT SO GOOD UPDATE!!!!!******

Listen to Justin talk to Ryan Seacrest about the whole process and how it was his honor to be on the track…and also listen up for an AMAZING first listen to Michael Jackson’s demo recording (in 1983) of the song…the demo is literally just Michael and a piano and in all it’s simplicity it is heart breakingly beautiful. Goosebumps are inevitable. Enjoy.

http://www.ryanseacrest.com/2014/05/06/justin-timberlake-reveals-he-wrote-nsyncs-gone-for-michael-jackson/

-<3-

Ok…um, found my soulmate

April 8, 2014April 8, 2014michelleleighwrites 1 Comment

Waddup cyberspace!!!!

So if you read this blog at all…

or even if you peak in once in a while…

you more than likely know

I’m a huge *NSYNC fan and by extension a HUGE Justin Timberlake fan.

So you know…. last year’s VMA’s… I was on that shit like white on rice, and while I’ve said my very emotional piece in a previous post about how I felt about it, and I won’t be going back there…

I recently came across this youtuber…who I feel like totally got it!

Who totally gets the essence and the greatness that is *NSYNC.

We are kindred spirits.

And so I just had to share….

if I had recorded my reactions to both the news of the *NSYNC reunion and the 2013 VMA performance I imagine they would go a little something like this…

So yea, I think I’ve found my soulmate

haha

too bad he just got engaged 😉

-<3-

A Single Gals Guide to Giving Relationship “Advice”

March 17, 2014michelleleighwrites Leave a comment

Ok so this one is for all my single girls out there, who most likely have to dish out relationship “Advice” to more than half her friends, while she herself isn’t in a relationship. But I promise you, it IS doable (Go figure!)

Good old fashioned GIRL TALK….let’s get to it!

“…he did what?”

TIP #1: LISTEN

We all know that girls come to their girls to bitch….to bitch about what it is their boyfriends are doing wrong….or to swoon over what they’re doing right. So whichever it is…Listen to them and give them your undivided attention, no one likes to be ignored.

TIPS #2, & #3: REMAIN OBJECTIVE/ USE LOGIC

I think it’s safe to say that as girls we tend to over analyze things, we take things and run. And sooner or later that one sentence a guy says turns into 40 different scenarios in your head. When all he really meant when he said “You look nice” was, “You look nice.” So in order to avoid running circles around yourself and trying to dissect the inner makings of the male mind, I think it’s important for you (as the friend) to remain objective. Try and see the situation from both sides; see if from your girl’s side, but also try and see where the guy’s coming from. Because chances are your girl isn’t really thinking logically. It’s your job to reign her in and tell her to take a water break. Granted, your always gonna have your girl’s back, but it’s important to remain objective for her so that she can get her crazy out and then come back to earth with a clear head. This brings me to the idea of using Logic. Once you remain objective and try to see all angles, it’s easy to apply logic to whatever situation. Often times the reasons for disagreements between couples is due to miscommunication and or lack of compromise. So as an objective friend it may be easier for you to see the hidden compromise your friend and her guy have completely neglected to see, or help them to figure out why they aren’t willing to compromise in the first place.

TIP #4: BE HONEST

All my conversations with my girls have helped me to learn that THIS tip is a big factor when trying to give advice to a friend about their relationship. They want you to be honest. They come to you to talk and to get out all their frustration, but they also come to you in way to gain a pathway to a solution of sorts. Granted the decision is always theirs….never tell a friend what they should or shouldn’t do. Suggest it sure, but they have to make their own decisions, they are their own person. And when I say be honest, I don’t mean bash their relationships, or their boyfriends. There should be no negativity, there should only be friendly honesty. Which is basically you helping your friend to see what the root of the problem may be. Sometimes it’s easier to just cushion your friend and tell her what she wants to hear, out of fear that she may get mad at you, or that you may hurt her feelings. But the truth is if they came to you, then they ultimately trust you, and your judgement. So give them honesty, help them to see that maybe in this specific case they’re boyfriend may have a point. Or if you think he’s being a complete douche, well then tell her so (still in the nicest way possible ha ha)…Hey us girls gotta stick together!

TIP #5 DRAW FROM EXPERIENCE

This one can be tricky…considering that everyone’s relationship catalog is different. And so no matter how simple or extensive your past experiences/relationships may be…use whatever you learned from them to help your friend. Because guys probably all have relatively similar track records. Most likely you have an [that guy turned out to be an] asshole story your girl can relate to, so share it….trade notes! 😉

TIP #6 LISTEN (Did I mention this????)

“Girls don’t let friends wine alone…” 😉

Quick story….a few days ago I was out to dinner with a really good friend of mine, we were just catching up and talking our usual shit, and all of a sudden she goes “You’re a really good friend, you listen to all my shit.” I laughed and basically replied dido. I may not have relationship drama at the moment, but I think “job hunting” drama is my equivalent to boyfriend drama, right now. The key to being a good friend is listening and just being there for your girl when she needs you. It’s not really so much about giving them advice as it is letting them vent. So if all fails, just be an ear to listen, a shoulder to cry on, and then if that doesn’t work hit up that bottle of wine you’ve been saving for a special occasion…(a friend in need…that’s as special as an occasion gets!)

Forge forward ladies….Men; they’re not all bad…so I’ve been told…

Damn you romantic comedies! I blame you! 😉

*I do not take credit for any of the above images*

-<3-

AND

Happy St. Patrick’s Day shout out to my fellow irish folks,

I’m 1/4 irish but damn proud of it!

Enjoy that corned beef and cabbage (and irish soda bread)!

10 Year Time Capsule…

February 5, 2014February 5, 2014michelleleighwrites Leave a comment

So it appears to be yet another snow infested day….and what do I do when I’m snowed in…I break out the good ole One Tree Hill DVDs, obviously. Today I was feeling a little Season 3 action. I have to say Season 3 is one of my favorite seasons, I felt like there was a lot of good stuff that went down. It’s safe to say Season 3 held my obsession for the show well in tact. It wasn’t until Season 5 where I started to drift. But never the less, I’ve never had the type of relationship (and by relationship I do mean obsession; because that is essentially what it was) with any other tv show. Granted I consider F.R.I.E.N.D.S to be the greatest show of all time, but that’s in a league of it’s own and I was quite young when it started so I lived it through reruns- and continue to do so. 🙂 But One Tree Hill, well I grew up with it. Haley, Brooke, Peyton (ok not really Peyton), Lucas and Nathan were the ones I befriended and walked through life with. They were the ones I hung out with every Tuesday/Wednesday night as we battled teen angst together. So no matter how many times my best friend and I turned to each other during our weekly viewing parties and uttered the sentence “This show sucks! I hate it.” For me, hate was just love set on fire. I’ve always had such high expectations for One Tree Hill, I always expected more from the writing on the show. And when you expect so much, it’s easy to be disappointed. But what I’ve noticed lately is that I seem to get bored easily. Every tv show I am currently watching has annoyed me at some point. (Don’t even get me started on “Pretty Little Liars.”) Even “The Walking Dead” was killing me slowly, with their Season 4 what I like to call “Rick-less episodes” that focused on the governor and his aimless whereabouts. And I LOVE “The Walking Dead,” it’s a total phenomenon. But at the same time I realize that every show is going to hit a point where things hibernate. It’s just the way it goes, it’s just the building of a foundation for the next explosion, for the next big revelation, for the next heart break, for the next make up, or in TWD’s case, the next KICK ASS ZOMBIE SHOWDOWN! As a writer I realize this. But as a viewer, it pisses me off! I always vow to myself that when the day comes…some place in the distant future that I get to work on the set of a television show, when I earn my way into a swivel chair in the writer’s room, I’m not only going to shock my audience, but I’m also going to give them what they want. I’m going to give them the things that I always wished the writers of my shows would give me. Now that I’ve rambled on….let’s get down to what this post is really about.

As I mentioned before…snowed in= One Tree Hill reruns for me! 😀

If you are currently netflixin’ One Tree Hill….I urge you to double check what episode your on…cuz…SPOILER ALERT coming your way…lol

And as I RE-watched Season 3 Episode 15; “Just Watch the Fireworks”

I was struck with inspiration for a blog post. (I’m totally sitting here in my “Keith Scott Body Shop” sweater a piece of oth memorabilia and typing along to One Tree Hill soundtracks)

Lucas Scott ❤

That’s the sweater Lucas is rockin’! It was a big staple piece of clothing for his character, he always wore it in the early seasons!

Back in Season 2 Episode 15; “Unopened Letter to the World,” the gang is asked to record a time capsule message to their future selves as part of a school assignment. It is a mandatory assignment for everyone. So each character reveals their inner most secrets whether they are silly and embarrassing, or gut wrenchingly heartbreaking. The gang all put a face to themselves 50 years from the date. These recordings were to be stored away and never to be seen by others, let alone by anyone in any recent time.

So in this Season 3 episode all havoc breaks loose as the time capsule videos are released by some devious soul….(a.k.a Rachel you bizznatch, I knew I didn’t like you!) And the gang of Tree Hill are forced to face their demons. For some it’s as “simple” as the whole school/world seeing your boobs, (Oh Brooke Davis…when will you learn, you don’t get naked in front of a camera….ever!) and for others it’s a little graver like exploiting your then “hatred” for the woman you married [who you have since reconciled with) for leaving you to pursue her dream …(yea Nathan I’m talkin’ about you…(what happens when you get married in high school.)]

Anyway watching this episode made me think… where the hell will I be in the future? Granted I can’t fathom what’s to come in the next 50 years like the Tree Hill gang had to, but even more simply…in 10 years where do I think I’ll be…or more importantly…where do I want to be? So here it goes….

For starters in 10 years…I will be 32…nearing 33 (HOLY SHIT…I am not a spring chicken anymore!)

Healthy….mentally, psychically, & spiritually

Living in my own apartment in NYC with some fun roommates, something funky and bohemian; maybe a loft

Career…working in the tv industry in some way, shape or form

Preferably on the set of a tv series…preferably my own; one that I created and that I write & direct for that is Brooklyn based (that’s a big 10 year dream I know, but it’s my dream)

Still blogging and writing regularly…and michelleleighwrites.com actually exists… 🙂

At least one feature film is in the process of possibly getting made….there’s a script that I wrote in my senior year of college for a screenwriting class, that I feel is one of the best scripts I’ve ever written. It’s entitled “The Lover’s Diary” and I guarantee that it would bold well as a chick flick and I’d be damn proud of that fact! lol (um hello closet-ed hopeless romantic over here) Anyway I would love for that to be made into a film down the road.

And last but not least…I hope to be in love…yea in 10 years I’m definitely in love with a great man, who respects not only my body but my mind and what I have to say. (granted in 10 years I’d rather be married and living with my husband, or even just engaged) But I’m not about rushing into things just because of societal time constrictions. As long as I’m healthy, happy and in love with a roof over my head, some great family and friends in my life….and a job that I love that doesn’t feel like a job. I’ll consider myself the luckiest person alive.

So where will you be in 10 years?

Thanks for the memories and thanks for the inspiration One Tree Hill, hope to see you in the future… #OneTreeHill10YearReunion #OneTreeHillTheMovie ?????

the possibilities are endless for us all!

Reppin’ 😉

-<3-

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